She broke records. She earned the accolades. She defied the odds. And she’s just getting started! But Izzie Smulik’s story isn’t just about soccer…it’s about rising through adversity with grit, grace, and an unshakable faith in God’s plan. In this inspiring episode, Dr. ZachClinton sits down with his second cousin, Izzie Smulik, a standout high school soccer star from E.C. Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA. In just three years, Izzie became the school’s all-time leading scorer and points leader — for both boys and girls — earning titles like 1st Team All-State, ODP Regional Player, and most recently, a spot on a semi-pro team out of Charlottesville. But Izzie’s journey hasn’t been easy. From growing up with ADHD and dyslexia to being told she’d never play D1 soccer or graduate early, she’s overcome it all with the support of her family, her faith, and the game she loves. In this conversation, Zach and Izzie unpack: her recent invitation to compete with the Capelli Sports North American team in Denmark this week, her excitement about signing a full-ride to Liberty University Women’s Soccer, how soccer became a steadying force and a source of purpose, what it means to persevere with character through adversity, and the role of faith, family, and fierce determination in her growth every step of the way. If you’ve ever felt underestimated, overlooked, or unsure of what’s next, Izzie’s story will remind you that with faith and fight, “impossible” just becomes the new starting line.
📲 Follow & Support Izzie’s Journey
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ismulik16/
- Liberty Women’s Soccer Team: https://libertyflames.com/sports/womens-soccer
- Capelli North America Girls Team: https://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/capelli-sport-north-america-girls-roster_aid54774
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.